The pyramid play, used in blocking kicks, originated as a prank at practice. Amazingly enough, the play was successful in blocking a kick. Stiner, upon noticing the success of the play, decided to attempt it in a game. The play consisted of hoisting the center, Clyde Devine, onto the shoulders of tackles Harry Fields and Ade Schwammel. At this height in the air, Devine could reach out and knock down any ball headed for the goal posts. The first official use of the play was successfully executed against the University of Oregon in Multnomah Stadium in Portland. The Pyramid was banned by the NCAA rules committee within a year. Despite going 5–4–3 and taking his team to the 1949 Pineapple Bowl after the 1948 season, Stiner resigned in March, and was succeeded by Kip Taylor in 1949. Stiner was 3–0 in bowl appearances. After football Stiner then worked as a labor relations representative for Edward Hines Lumber Company at Westfir, Oregon. When he retired in 1968, he and his wife Caroline moved to Woodburn; Caroline died in 1972. Stiner moved to a life care center in Richland, Washington, around 1976, where he spent the last eight years of his life, to be near his daughter, Betty Ingram. Stiner suffered ill health for the last year of his life. Stiner is also survived by a son, Alonzo P. "Lon" Stiner, an attorney in Portland, and six grandchildren. Memorial services were held at Riverview Abbey Chapel in Portland. Stiner is an inductee of the Oregon Sports Hall of Fame. Head coaching record References External links 1903 births 1985 deaths American football tackles Nebraska Cornhuskers football players Oregon State Beavers football coaches Oregon State Beavers track and field coaches University of Colorado people People from Hastings, Nebraska Players of American football from Nebraska